Time has flown since your little on was born! Now you’re getting ready to go back to work, and as if that wasn’t enough of a struggle, your breastfed baby will not take a bottle! So here you are crying because you’re afraid your baby will starve unless you quit your job. We'd like to offer some helpful advice to get your baby to take a bottle.

Start the process about 1 week before returning to work.

Step One: Take a deep breath! Try not to stress. Your baby is healthy and will stay that way.

Next step……Walk away! No really…..leave the room. Or even leave the house all together. Many babies refuse to take a bottle from their mom. It makes sense...Think about it, why would you eat a TV dinner when there’s a fresh cooked meal? Why would a baby want to take a bottle when they can get the milk right from mom? Have a family member or friend offer the bottle while you enjoy some alone time. For many, this solves the problem on the first try.

If that doesn’t work on its own, try a different bottle. Many caregivers report success feeding breastfed babies with Mam, Mimijumi, Kiinde, and Nanobebe. These bottles are made to simulate feeding at the breast. The shape of the nipple is unique and the flow is just right.

If baby is still rejecting the bottle, consider the temperature of the milk. Although the milk from our breasts is warm, some babies seem to prefer milk from a bottle to be slightly warmer or cooler. Experiment with different temperatures.

If your baby is still refusing the bottle there are other options and many moms are still able to return to work.

If your baby is being watched at home by a sitter, family member, or partner, try having the baby brought to you at work 2-3 times a day to nurse.

Cup, spoon, or syringe feed the baby! This method of feeding is often used for infants with trouble latching. It gives them the milk that they need without allowing them to get too used to using an artificial nipple. This is often a great alternative for babies who will not take a bottle.